City Council

Thursday, June 19,2008
Minutes



ST. GEORGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2008, 4:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

PRESENT:
Daniel D. McArthur, Mayor
Council Member Gail Bunker
Council Member Suzanne Allen
Council Member Gil Almquist
Council Member Jon Pike
City Manager Gary Esplin
City Attorney Shawn Guzman
City Recorder Gay Cragun

EXCUSED:
Council Member Gloria Shakespeare


OPENING:
Mayor McArthur called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and welcomed all present. He then led the pledge of allegiance. The invocation was offered by Alex Wilkie.

Doug Fulsom, Utah League of Cities and Towns, explained every April a truck rodeo is held as part of the Utah League of Cities and Towns Road School. He stated a St. George City employee, Vincent Lusk, took second place. He presented Mr. Lusk with a $200 certificate to be used by the City to purchase safety supplies, equipment or training through the Utah Local Governments Trust and congratulated him on being an excellent operator and a credit to the City.

Mr. Lusk accepted the certificate on behalf of the City and advised that he tied on points with the first place finisher, but was beaten on time.

Mayor McArthur read a proclamation proclaiming June 23-29 as Amateur Radio Week in the City and presented it to Rick Wayman, President of the Amateur Radio Club. Mr. Wayman invited the Mayor and Council to Operating Field Day activities at the Sunbowl June 28-29.

Mayor McArthur advised that a public hearing to consider approval of a zone change from R-1-10 to PD Commercial on 1.42 acres located at approximately 1300 East 900 South Street; Neil Glauser, Blue Mountain Partners, applicant, was taken off the agenda and would be heard July 17..

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Pike to move the public hearing for the zone change from R-1-10 to PD Commercial on 1.42 acres located at approximately 1300 West 900 South Street until July 19.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Almquist.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
Consider approval of the financial statement for May, 2008.

City Manager Gary Esplin explained that expenditures are less than what they would normally be at this point in the year.

Council Member Bunker commented that Mr. Esplin and Phil Peterson deserve a lot of credit for keeping the budget balanced.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Bunker to approve the financial statement.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Almquist.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

City Manager Gary Esplin commended the department heads for doing their best to cut their budgets.

AWARD OF BID:
Consider award of bid for chip seal oil.

Purchasing Manager Connie Hood explained only one bid was received due to the volatile oil market. She advised the bid was submitted by Paramount Petroleum in the amount of $378,218.66, an increase of 38.2% in price over last year. She suggested the bid be
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June 19, 2008
Page Two

awarded in the amount of $300,000, which is a portion of the $800,000 annual street maintenance budget.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Allen to award the bid to Paramount Petroleum in the amount of $300,000.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Bunker.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

CHANGE ORDER:
Consider approval of a SCADA change order.

Purchasing Manager Connie Hood recommended approval of a change order with E&M Services in the amount of $37,590 for additional SCADA sites and inventory of spare SCADA parts.

City Manager Gary Esplin explained that SCADA is a sophisticated program which monitors wells, pumps and water levels.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Allen to approve the change order.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Pike.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

CHANGE ORDER:
Consider approval of a change order for the Ledges water tank project.

Purchasing Manager Connie Hood recommended approval of a change order with Interstate Rock in the amount of $56,734.11.

City Manager Gary Esplin explained the project requireds 7,000 yards of additional fill plus miscellaneous fittings.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Pike to approve the change order.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Almquist.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

CONTRACT:
Consider approval of an extension to the reuse pipeline contract.

Purchasing Manager Connie Hood explained this proposed extension will take the reuse line from the Atkinville Interchange to River Road along the Southern Parkway, in the amount of $141,375. The City?s share of this cost is $72,212.50.

City Manager Gary Esplin explained the City?s total participation in the entire project is $141,375, and is a great deal for the City. He commended Barry Barnum and Scott Taylor on their negotiations.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Bunker to approve the contract.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Pike.

Council Member Almquist advised that staff has been working for years to get reuse water on line which can then be used to water parks and golf courses.

VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

BEER LICENSES:
Consider approval of off-premise beer licenses for the Texaco located at 1409 E. St. George Blvd. and the Chevron located at 81 N. River Road. Karamjit Singh, applicant.

City Manager Gary Esplin advised the applicant owns both sites. The applications meet all requirements, and staff recommends approval.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Almquist to approve the beer licenses.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Allen.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote and all voted aye. The motion carried.

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BEER LICENSE:
Consider approval of an off-premise beer license for the Green Valley Market. Vishni Patel, applicant.

City Manager Gary Esplin explained this request is for a change of ownership, not a new license. The application meets all requirements and staff recommends approval.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Bunker to approve the beer license.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Pike.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

INTRODUCTION OF NEW PLANNER:
Community Development Director Bob Nicholson introduced new City planner, Craig Harvey.
Craig Harvey updated the Mayor and City Council on his educational and career history.

RESOLUTION:
Consider adoption of a resolution of the City Council of the City of St. George, Utah, (the ?Issuer?), finalizing the terms and conditions of the issuance and sale by the Issuer of its Electric Revenue Bonds, Series 2008 in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $50,000,000 (the ?Series 2008 Bonds?); awarding and confirming the sale of said Series 2008 Bonds; authorizing the execution by the Issuer of a second supplemental indenture of trust, and other documents required in connection therewith; authorizing and approving a preliminary official statement and final official statement; authorizing and approving a bond purchase agreement; and authorizing the taking of all other actions necessary to the consummation of the transaction contemplated by this resolution; providing a severability clause; repealing resolutions and orders in conflict; providing an effective date; and related matters.

City Manager Gary Esplin explained in order to finance the new gas turbine the City had to go to the market and issue a revenue bond. The market is very unpredictable and it has been a difficult and complex financing.

Jason Burningham, the City?s financial advisor with regard to the bond issue, advised this is the largest single issue the City has done in the market. He distributed a booklet titled Electric Revenue Bonds, Series 2008, Final Pricing Discussion, and reviewed it.

City Attorney Shawn Guzman arrived.

Mr. Burningham continued saying the market has been difficult. He introduced John Crandall of George K. Baum, the underwriter on this project, who was instrumental in putting the transaction together. Ballard Spahr represented the City as bond counsel. Mr. Burningham explained there has been a flood of refinancing activity. The bonds were marketed with a final cost of capital to the City of 4.97%. The City?s bond rating is A1, and is a result of good City management. Policies have been put in place in the Energy Services Department with regard to risk management of power resources that have made the utility more favorable in the view of rating agencies. The rating increase is a significant factor in helping price the bonds. The proceeds will be used to acquire and fund a new natural gas-fired turbine generator. The proceeds will also be used to fund capitalized interest and pay costs of the bond issue. The $50,000,000 transaction will be amortized and bond insurance will be purchased at a savings of $900,000 to the City. In addition, the rating upgrade from A3 to A1 saved another $600,000. He stated that on behalf of the City as its financial advisor he was pleased to recommend the rate and terms presented in the bond resolution to be considered and adopted. The bonds can be refunded at a future date and will have a ten year call.

John Crandall advised that the City?s bond rating is the highest in the county, including the School District and Water District. This is well deserved because the City is so well managed.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Almquist to approve the resolution as presented.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Allen.

Council Member Almquist inquired who will monitor whether it would be in the City?s best interests to call the bonds in ten years.


Mr. Burningham replied that he would assist the City in looking at this. The City has a policy of looking at refundings based on certain levels of net present value savings.

VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a roll call vote, as follows:

Council Member Almquiste - aye
Council Member Allen - aye
Council Member Bunker - aye
Council Member Pike - aye

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

SET PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Community Development Director Bob Nicholson advised that the Planning Commission recommended that public hearings be scheduled for July 17, 2008 to consider (1) an amended final plat for The Casitas at Hidden Valley located on the south side of Hidden Valley Drive at 500 East and 3500 South, and (2) a zone change from PD Residential to PD Commercial located at River Road and 2450 South.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Allen to schedule the public hearings as recommended.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Bunker.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

FINAL PLATS:
Todd Jacobson presented three final plats for approval: (1) The Park at Paradise Canyon Commercial Condominiums with three buildings located on the south side of Snow Canyon at approximately 1425 West 1450 North, zoned PD AP; (2) a roadway dedication plat for Plantations Drive located behind the Sunbrook Golf Course and Trend West timeshare beginning at approximately 1600 West and 1400 South and ending at 2800 West and 100 South; and (3) Lago Vista Drive and Alienta Drive located on the southwest side of Plantations Drive beginning at 2700 West and 250 South. The Planning Commission recommends approval of the plats.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Bunker to approve the final plats and authorize the Mayor to sign them.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Almquist.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT:
Consider approval of a conditional use permit to construct a detached garage to a height of 20'4" located behind the applicant?s home at 2556 East 2300 South Circle. Dustin Dell, applicant.

Planner Ray Snyder advised that the Planning Commission recommended approval. The garage has a workshop area with a toilet, sink and shower. The Planning Commission asked that the shower be removed. The applicant was fine with the request.

Council Member Bunker commented she could see why the applicant wanted to have a shower.

City Manager Gary Esplin stated it has been the City?s position that garage additions with shower facilities can become problems later if they are rented out as living units.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Bunker to approve the conditional use permit as recommended by the Planning Commission.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Pike.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.


BUILDING DESIGN AND CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN:
Planner Ray Snyder explained the request is to consider a building design and conceptual site plan to remodel and construct an addition to the existing assisted living facility at 950 South 400 East, the Meadows. There are 121 existing units and the applicants propose to add 28 new units plus 30 Alzheimer units. The new construction consists of 33,000 sq. ft. Parking requirements are met and exceeded. A materials board has been presented. The Planning Commission recommends approval. The building height will not exceed 35'.

City Manager Gary Esplin inquired if the project was still owned by the OK Kids Foundation as there were certain requirements placed on the project in order to bond for it. He inquired if the bonds had been paid off and who owned the project.


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David May, architect, stated that Larry Blake and Vaughn Pulsipher owned the project to his knowledge.

City Manager Gary Esplin advised that as part of any action on the City?s behalf, it should be made subject to making sure the ownership is cleared up and there are no outstanding problems.

Mr. May commented that during financing there was no mention of any outstanding debt on the property and he imagined the bonds were satisfied.

Council Member Pike inquired if the plan was to redo the entire exterior.

Mr. May replied that the entire structure will receive a facelift.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Pike to approve the building design and conceptual site plan as presented, subject to the recommendations of the Planning Commission and making sure the bonds are satisfied.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Bunker.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

PUBLIC HEARING/ZONE CHANGE/ORDINANCE:
Public hearing to consider approval of a zone change from R-1-10 to PD Commercial on 1.42 acres located at approximately 1300 East 900 South Street. Neil Glauser, Blue Mountain Partners, applicant.

This item has been postponed until the July 17 City Council meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING/PRELIMINARY PLAT and
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT:
Public hearing to consider approval of the preliminary plat for Red Cliffs Park Subdivision with 103 lots located at approximately 2050 East and 1000 North in the Middleton area. Stacy Young, applicant.

Jay Sandberg advised a zone change for the area was recently approved. The subdivision has a total of 103 lots with a density of under three units per acre on 34.6 acres. The subdivision has mainly public roads. There are 100' setbacks and no-disturb areas. Areas around the units are common areas. The area in the wash is going to be a low impact park area with a small gazebo and trailhead for a future public trail up the north side of the project to tie into the reserve trail system. With regard to the hillside development permit, there is a requirement that the no-disturb area on the hillside be fenced with orange fencing during construction. A brief discussion took place on access into Washington City at a future date.

City Manager Gary Esplin advised that the project meets City requirements and there is plenty of time to resolve the issue of connection into Washington City.

Mr. Sandberg advised that a request has been received to allow a temporary access road to connect to a project within Washington City. This request is being reviewed. Additionally, the construction access is through Escalara.

Mayor McArthur opened the public hearing. There being no public comment, he closed the public hearing.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Pike to approve the preliminary plat.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Bunker.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Pike to approve the hillside development permit.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Bunker.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

Council Member Almquist clarified that the approval was subject to the orange fencing and all recommendations of the Hillside Review Board.

PUBLIC HEARING/PRELIMINARY PLAT:
Public hearing to consider approval of the preliminary plat for Milne Estates Subdivision with four lots located along 3430 East at approximately 2050 South. Travis Milne, applicant.
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Jay Sandberg advised there is an existing home on the property in the Little Valley area. The request is to subdivide the property into four lots for resale. The request also includes approval of a delay agreement for improvements on the culdesac. Lot 2 will have access from 3430 East and in the future, when the lots are improved, the culdesac will have to be improved and all improvements finished. The Planning Commission recommends approval subject to a delay agreement for improvement of the culdesac and utilities for Lots 3 and 4, utilities be approved and installed for Lot 2, a final plat for all four lots is approved, the improvements adjacent to Lot 1 be completed on 3430 East, and all conditions be completed prior to issuance of a building permit.

Mayor McArthur opened the public hearing. There being no public comment, he closed the public hearing.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Allen to approve the plat subject to the recommendations of the Planning Commission.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Bunker.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

PUBLIC HEARING/BUDGET:
Public hearing with regard to the fiscal year 2008-2009 budget for the City of St. George.

City Manager Gary Esplin recommended that the public hearing be opened and questions addressed after public comment is received.

Mayor McArthur commented it has been recommended that funding be restored for some programs in the Recreation and Public Safety departments. He then opened the public hearing.

Jack Davison advised he sent a letter to the City Council opposing the proposed golf fee increase. He then read the letter.

Doug Burgin stated that the unilateral raising of golf fees over the years has run people away from the courses. He suggested the City find a way to make golf affordable for senior citizens. He stated this could not be done by raising fees. He stated that golf was the only sport in the City that had to pay for itself and extra money from the general fund should be used to help out.

City Manager Gary Esplin replied that the golf courses do not pay for themselves and today are $1.6 million in the red. $500,000 was transferred from the Economic Development Fund to the Golf Course Fund this year, last year and in previous years. These funds come from sales tax. He stated that those who use the softball fields pay their share as well. If there was not a subsidy for the golf courses, rates would be much higher.

Jim McCormick commented that excessive golf cart rental fees should not be used to subsidize golf course maintenance fees.

Mayor McArthur replied this was not being done.

Mr. McCormick continued saying that reducing cart fees would entice more golfers to the courses. He stated the City does not waive electrical fees, garbage fees, drainage fees, etc. for City employees, and it should not do so with golf fees.

City Manager Gary Esplin replied that golf fees are waived only through the City?s employee fitness program which is one factor in the City seeing a $400,000 decrease in health insurance rates.

Mr. McCormick commented if free golf is being offered to employee as an incentive for recruitment of loyal employees, this would be fine, but green fees should be charged to these employees? departments, not the rest of the golfers.

John Gallacher advised he was speaking on behalf of senior golfers. He presented a petition in opposition to increased golf fees signed by 153 senior golfers. He advised at a recent meeting Mr. Matt Loo indicated there has been in increase in golf revenue of $145,000 but

a decrease in rounds. He stated the bottom line is the natives are unhappy and are prepared to take another step if there is no reconciliation.


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Mayor McArthur commented that recommendations will be made which are fair. Additionally, everything needed for the golf courses has gone up and nothing has gone down.

Greg Stevens commented that golf courses are luxuries and in his opinion City golf courses should pay their way. He stated he did not see a problem with a small subsidy for golf, but he did not know if cities should even be in the golf business as much as they are. He stated the golf courses should be operated as a going concern and fees set appropriately. He suggested that perhaps fees could be structured to offer a fee for local players vs. those from out of town. He suggested if no one is using the courses, they should be torn down. He stated golf courses should pay for their own water. He stated that seniors deserved some sort of discount, but he would rather see an off-peak discount or volunteer labor in exchange for golf. He stated he also wanted to see alternative energy investments and a committee formed to lobby for a land grant to build a solar power plant or wind power plant.

Larry Gonzales commented that seniors need support from the City. He commented the age to be considered a senior should be changed from 55 to 65. He suggested the cache card rate be lowered for those 65 years or age or older and also for golf carts. He inquired how many golf tournaments were held each year and where the income from the tournaments and pro shops go.

Shanda Enfield, a member of the CAT team for Area 10, advised she was speaking on behalf of the Desert Hills community. She requested $15,100 to complete the sidewalk on Desert Hills Drive. She requested clarification of the minutes.

Jerry Christensen, Downtown Business Alliance, requested funding in the amount of $5,000 for this year?s Fourth of July celebration on Main Street and $30,000 to help with events for the last half of this year.

Mayor McArthur commented that the City is already funding the Fourth of July celebration at Worthen Park.

There being no further public comment, Mayor McArthur closed the public hearing.

City Manager Gary Esplin commented there is plenty of documentation for the golf course budget and it is available for anyone who would like to see it. Revenue estimates are developed from historical data such as actual rounds of play, etc. He explained that when the Black Rock Nine was built at Sunbrook it was financed through a lease purchase through the Municipal Building Authority. The $500,000 in the professional services category is for the golf pros who run the courses. Golf pros are independent contractors and lease the golf pro shops and concession areas in some cases. Significant studies have been done to see if making golf pros employees would be financially beneficial, but it is not. In order to keep costs down, pros are allowed to conduct two to three tournaments a year and the City gets the cart revenues. As far as the City benefit package for its employees, this includes retirement and health insurance and the average is around 30-35%, depending on salary. This is comparable to every other city in the State of Utah.

Council Member Pike commented it was typical in other businesses too.

City Manager Gary Esplin commented that the actual rounds of golf given for free to City employees in the fitness program represent 1%-1.5% of rounds played. City employees cannot play during the busy time of the season unless space is available, cannot make tee times, and cannot use carts unless they pay for them. This 1%-1.5% also includes the Dixie College Golf Team and high school golf teams. The City has reciprocal agreements with the schools to use their facilities and they use the City?s. Golf across the country is going down and 575 public golf courses have closed in the last ten years and a lot more are facing closure or letting management companies manage them. The most significant fact is that there are 11 eighteen hole golf courses in Washington County, whereas the national average is two to three for a population of 150,000. There is not the population in this area to populate 11 courses, and two more will open this year. Some of the private golf courses can recoup through sale of lots, but the City cannot do this. In two more budget years the City?s debt will be paid off and then it will have around $500,000-$600,000 to stabilize rates. The challenges is to get from here to there. The cache card right now offers a 33% discount. 58% of the people who purchased cache cards live in the City and 28% live in Washington County, so 86% of cache card use is by local residents. Right now the hotels do not receive any breaks on the fees, but they are allowed to go further out to make tee times in order to encourage people to visit this area. The Golf Course Fund has a current cash deficit of $1.6 million but there is a plan to pay it back when the bonds are paid off. Staff recommendations are: (1) allow cache cards to be used seven days a week in the off-peak season and on

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June 19, 2008
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Sunday through Thursday during the peak season; (2) add an additional $1 to the nine hole posted rate; (3) no increase to the cache card; (3) charge an annual fee to purchase the cache card, i.e. a $50 fee for St. George residents, $75 for Washington County residents, and $100 for others, using voter registration to prove residency. For a resident playing 18 holes three times a week, the increase will be 32?; for a County resident the increase will be 48?, and for others it will be 64?. This does not address the senior citizen rate. The City must generate over $230,000 in the current budget to make it balance, in addition to the $500,000 recommended for transfer from the Economic Development Fund. This includes only $200,000 in capital for a $4.9 million budget for a new clubhouse at Red Hills. He suggested that perhaps some alternatives could also be considered, such as two-for-ones, or buy ten get one free, etc. Staff will look at these alternatives to see if more play at the courses can be stimulated.

Mayor McArthur commented the suggestions are a compromise.

Council Member Almquist commented that while he doesn?t golf, his son does. He has listened to those who say they will play somewhere else, but suggests that before they do, they consider the cost of gas. There has been the threat of a boycott at the last two meetings, but this does not make economic sense. Everyone around the country is paying more for golf. St. George City got in the golf business to enhance tourism and save two courses which were destined for bankruptcy - the St. George Golf Club, which is looking better each year, and Southgate. The City has taken the right steps to provide incentives to those who golf, and will massage it further. The big picture is that St. George has been good for golf and golf have been good for St. George and this relationship should continue.

Council Member Pike commented that the suggestions create a local cache card rate. He commented that young people too, like senior citizens, live on fixed incomes and even those in middle life don?t see many increases. He stated he felt the suggestions were a good attempt on the part of staff to see how it will work.

Council Member Allen commented that Matt Loo is working hard to come up with ideas and promotions. She inquired what the Council?s wishes were with regard to the request for $15,100 to finish the sidewalk in the Desert Hills area.

City Manager Gary Esplin advised that if the Council is so inclined, funds from the Capital Project Fund can be used.

Council Member Bunker commented she felt badly some golfers feel the City has turned a deaf ear, as it has tried to come up with ways to help seniors. She stated she liked the suggestions. She inquired about the request for funding from the Downtown Business Alliance.

City Manager Gary Esplin recommended that $360,000 from the Perpetual Care Fund and $140,000 from the General Fund be used for the new cemetery sexton building and $7,000 for Recreation programs, with further discussions about the Youth City Council and how to better use them.

Support Services Manager Marc Mortensen remarked that if the City funds $5,000 for the Downtown Business Alliance Fourth of July event, this would be more than it has ever funded in the past for this event. The most the City has ever funded is $2,500 last year. In years past it has just been to close the road for traffic control.

Mayor McArthur recommended that the City fund $2,500 for the Fourth of July event.

Council Member Allen commented it was important to know the budget can be opened if need be.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Allen to approve the budget as recommended.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Bunker.

City Manager Gary Esplin advised that staff will bring back to the City Council before fall the plan on how to market the golf courses. There will be some serious competition with Sand Hollow, and as the market dries up the City will have to do a better job of getting people out to golf.

Council Member Almquist suggested a program for discount golf could be offered such as when the temperature hits 100 degrees, golfers pay 50% of the going rate.

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Page Nine

City Manager Gary Esplin commented that the majority of revenue is being generated in five months of the year.

Council Member Almquist commented that many people in the Southgate area paid $375,000 for their lot and then built a $675,000 house on it, all because of the golf course. The City receives revenue from these homes in impact fees and ongoing property taxes.

City Manager Gary Esplin suggested that approval of the budget include approval of minor adjustments to it.

Mayor McArthur commented that the budget contains an increase in water rates, yet no one commented on that.

VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a roll call vote, as follows:

Council Member Allen - aye
Council Member Bunker - aye
Council Member Pike - aye
Council Member Almquiste - aye

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

Mayor McArthur called for a brief break. Upon conclusion of the break, the meeting continued.

PUBLIC HEARING/AMENDMENTS TO BUDGET:
Public hearing to consider amendments to the 2007-2008 budget for the City of St. George.

Mayor McArthur opened the public hearing.

City Manager Gary Esplin reviewed the suggested amendments to the budget.

There being no public comment, Mayor McArthur closed the public hearing.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Almquist to approve the budget amendments as presented.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Pike.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a roll call vote, as follows:

Council Member Almquist - aye
Council Member Pike - aye
Council Member Allen - aye
Council Member Bunker - aye

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

AGREEMENT:
Consider approval of a mutual aid agreement for emergency services.

City Manager Gary Esplin explained the agreement is between the City and County and all fire districts within the County for reciprocal help.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Bunker to approve the agreement.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Allen.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

GRANT:
Consider approval of an emergency management grant for the Fire Department.

City Manager Gary Esplin explained that this is a matching grant for the salary of Captain Jason Whipple.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Pike to approve the grant.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Almquist.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.




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Page Ten

ADJOURN TO RDA AND EDA MEETING:
MOTION: A motion to adjourn to a Redevelopment Agency and Economic Development Agency meeting was made by Council Member Pike.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Allen.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

RECONVENE:
MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Bunker to reconvene.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Pike.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

Council Member Almquist requested that a letter be generated to the owners of the historic Thompson home with the large mulberry tree in front. At the Planning Commission meeting there was discussion about preserving the tree and he thought it was made a condition of approval. The owner is now thinking about removing the tree. He requested that a letter be sent reinforcing the City?s position that the tree should be saved.

City Manager Gary Esplin instructed City Attorney Shawn Guzman to write the letter.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Consider approval of the minutes of the City Council work meeting held May 20, 2008.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Pike to approve the minutes as presented.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Bunker.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

Consider approval of the minutes of the City Council work meeting held May 22, 2008.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Bunker to approve the minutes as presented.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Allen.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

Consider approval of the minutes of the special City Council meeting held May 29, 2008.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Pike to approve the minutes as presented.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Bunker.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

Consider approval of the minutes of the City Council work meeting held June 3, 2008.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Bunker to approve the minutes as presented.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Pike.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.

Consider approval of the minutes of the regular City Council meeting held June 5, 2008.

Tabled until the July 10 City Council meeting.

ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION:
MOTION: A motion to adjourn to an executive session to discuss litigation was made by Council Member Almquist.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Bunker.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a roll call vote, as follows:

Council Member Almquist - aye
Council Member Bunker - aye
Council Member Pike - aye
Council Member Allen - aye


St. George City Council Minutes
June 19, 2008
Page Eleven

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

RECONVENE AND ADJOURN:
MOTION: A motion to reconvene and adjourn was made by Council Member Allen.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Council Member Bunker.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, and all voted aye. The motion carried.




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Gay Cragun, City Recorder